Let’s just call it the Lune, which is sort of odd considering it only comes in this green or a deepest black, just as saturated as this color is. You’d think being called Lune, it would come in white, or silver, or at least gray. I can see it in a luminescent, pearly white leather that would almost glow when the light hit it, just the way the moon does. But seeing as how the designers at Balenciaga didn’t consult me, it’s available in black and green. Anyway, it’s a large tote, made entirely from calfskin leather. It has a removable shoulder strap, leaving the small, dual handles for carrying. The patch pocket on the front provides a little extra storage, and would be great for keeping your cell phone handy. The interior is fully lined in fabric, with a zip pocket and embossed leather Balenciaga tag. On the back are two leather-covered, pyramid-shaped studs, and the bottom has metal pyramid-shaped studs for protection and stability. All the hardware, including the twist-lock closure, is gold plated metal. And that’s not a luggage tag hanging from the bag. It’s a leather-framed mirror, just the right size for touching up your lip gloss. Put it all together, and it’s true decadence, which is also evidenced by the $2,595 price tag. Get it—or just go look at more pictures of it—at Balenciaga.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

So once you’re done with the math and you’ve come to the conclusion that yeah, $2,595 is pretty steep, and you’re not willing to give up luxuries like food and shelter to get the Lune, you can start thinking about alternatives. Let’s face it. Not many bags are going to be as luxurious, or as green, as that Balenciaga Lune, but if that’s your color of choice, you do have options. Take this Latico P.S. Front Pocket Whipstitched Tote, for example. I’ll wait for you to get through that unnecessarily long, silly name. Ready? Ok, it’s made from antiqued leather in a nice kelly green, with rich brown leather trim along the bottom, in the zipper pulls, and in the dual, whipstitched handles. A detachable shoulder strap is also brown leather, and gives the bag a 26-inch drop, as opposed to the 10.5-inch drop of the handles. Floral print fabric lines the interior, and the top zips securely closed. In addition to green, the Latico tote is available in caribe (a teal blue), orange, purple, orchid (fuchsia), and red. It’s also on clearance. Usually $219, it’s now $120.45 at Endless.com.

You know that to make a bag even more affordable, you have to give up the leather and go for the synthetic. Other than affordability, though, synthetic bags are animal-friendly, and they don’t look as fake as they used to. There was a time when synthetic material that posed as an alternative to leather just looked awful, and could be spotted as fake a mile away. I think it was called pleather? Or maybe just crap. But now, manufacturers have found ways to make synthetic bags that look and feel like leather, so you can have the luxury look without the luxury price. And without the guilt of carrying around an animal’s skin. The French Connection Retro Stitch Tote is one of those bags. It’s made from 100 percent polyurethane, but has a textured leather look. It’s lined with fabric, and has an interior zip pocket. There’s a flap pocket on the outside, too. Double handles give the bag a six-inch drop. French Connection calls this color Vegas green. That doesn’t make any sense to me, but again, I wasn’t consulted. Those designers really need to get on the ball with that. I mean, it’s not like my e-mail address isn’t available. Come on. Try out the Retro for only $118 at Piperlime.com.

First, I love the color! It’s a juicy red, isn’t it? It makes me think of summer strawberries and cherry popsicles. It comes in 12 other colors, though, so you can definitely find one you like. The bag is made from soft leather with a vintage finish, and has a beautiful fabric lining. It features interior and exterior zip pockets. The handles are hand-stitched, and give the bag a 5.9 inch drop. Metal feel protect the bottom of the bag. As a bonus, it comes with a small, leather-framed hand mirror. At 19.3 inches wide, the bag can hold everything you need for a weekend away. Even at that size, it’s light, weighing just three pounds. It’s a splurge for $2,095 at Balenciaga.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Ok, you’re saying, if I spend that much on a bag, I’m not going to be able to afford to go anywhere over any weekend for a year! I hear you. This Saltbox Medallion Getaway bag is a bit more reasonable. Ok, a lot more reasonable. The coolest thing about it, though? It converts from a slouchy shoulder bag to a flat, wide tote. And it’s made of canvas, so it can easily go from weekender to beach bag and back again. I can give in to my recent color obsession with this orange-red one, but it also comes in sorbet, which is shades of pink and brown, and blugrotto, in shades of blue and green. The interior is fully lined in complementary-colored fabric. Snap it up for just $145 at eBags.com.

If you’re not concerned with having a convertible, all-around bag, the Dakine Getaway is for you. It’s a durable bag in a fun striped pattern. It comes in four other colors and patterns, too, all with soft vinyl handles and trim. The roomy interior features a zip pocket, and is lined with white-dotted pink fabric. A removable ID tag is included, and the metal hardware is stamped with the Dakine logo. It comes with an optional, adjustable shoulder strap, and if you decide to take it on a longer trip with more bags, there’s an open sleeve on the back to slide over luggage handles. It truly is a go-anywhere, anytime bag. Get yours for $74 at Zappos.com.

The First bag is a classic square handbag, with buckles, studs and zip details in antiqued brass. It also features a removable mirror inside the zip pocket. You’ll also find a silver signature Balenciaga plate sewn inside the zip pocket. The bag also features a matching distressed leather shoulder strap that you can put on or remove when the mood strikes. I’d prefer to take this bag by its smooth clutch handles with the matching mint green stitching, though. Mint green never looked so good until you figure in the $1,200 price tag, from Diabro.com. Suddenly I’m left thinking, What do I really own that goes with mint green?

Budget Saving Alternatives

If you want to go for something between the high and low end prices, try this cool Long Bag design in mint green from Lazaro. It’s more of a tote, really, with more space for more stuff, but it’s not too big. Its long, streamlined design gives it a compact look that’s not too bulky.

Even though it’s also called mint green, it’s a very different shade from the Balenciaga handbag. Its darker, more muted color makes it a great option for work, as well as a casual bag for everyday use. Try it out for $172 from ebags.com.

So just how practical is a mint green purse for a grand? Well, if it’s a color you like, chances are, you already own some pieces that either match or complement that color. It is a great spring and summer pastel, reminiscent of that mint chocolate chip ice cream I was craving, or pistachio ice cream, if that’s what you prefer. It’s a cool color, meant to be worn in warm weather. So don’t discount it out of hand. Match it up with a few other pastels, and you have a whole spring/summer ensemble going on. And if that $1,200 price tag is too big for you, try this Necessary Objects Dare Carryall tote for just $34.89 at Endless.com.

I’m crazy about the slouchy shape of this Balenciaga bag. Thanks to the highly distressed goat leather used in all Balenciaga designs, the shape these purses take is sexy, droopy, and ultra-chic because of the lightweight and thin leather. No two bags will ever sit the same. This particular Balenciaga bag is black, which I like, but it comes in every color under the fashion rainbow, from sky blue to bubblegum pink! The Balenciaga The Day hobo is $780.87 from Diabro.com. Sure it’s pricey, but this is the kind of bag I would carry no matter what I was wearing. Sometimes versatility is worth an expensive price tag.

Budget Saving Alternatives

I like this Maxximum Elizabeth hobo almost as much as the Balenciaga. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and style. It’s made from one hundred percent leather, and had double sets of pleats on the front and back, as well as two exterior zip pockets. The interior is lined with satin fabric, and features a back wall zip pocket with a logo name plate. The shoulder strap is attached with leather bands, and has rivet detailing at the top. It has the same hobo slouchy design as the Balenciaga, and some really edgy stud and strap details, but I’m telling you, no purse can slouch like a Balenciaga. Give it a try for $168 at Endless.com..

If you want to save even more, try this Luce Snake Charmer Hobo on for size. It’s got some cool snake accents in the same versatile hobo design. It’s made from genuine leather, and has two exterior zip pockets with snake charm pulls. Also accenting the exterior is a round handle that looks like a snake eating its own tail. That symbolizes something, but I can’t remember what. Whatever it means, it looks really cool. The top zips closed to keep all your belongings secure, and there’s plenty of room for whatever you want to carry. It’s also available in bone, and British tan. You can get it now for $138.00 at ebags.com